A popular not-for-profit cafe and social pantry set up in the heart of Whitstable to tackle food poverty has been forced to close.

Bosses at the Umbrella Cafe in Oxford Street say "rocketing" rent and utility costs have left them unable to continue running it.

Customers have expressed their sadness following the news of the closure, describing it as a "huge loss to the community".

The community cafe and social kitchen - based at the Umbrella Centre - were launched to reduce social isolation, food poverty and food waste in the area.

A statement published on the cafe's Facebook page today confirmed it will close on Saturday.

And its social pantry will also be closing, which will be on March 30.

"Our hearts are broken," the statement said.

"We have tried everything we can to navigate the current slump the high street is experiencing, but combined with rocketing rent and utility costs we cannot afford to continue running the cafe.

"We are absolutely gutted that we can longer work towards our mission of reducing social isolation, loneliness and food poverty in our local community."

Bosses say many people generously donated to its fundraiser in November and says the funds are protected.

They will be passed on to the Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre to use for community events that combat social isolation.

The statement added: "Upon closure, we will also pass on all remaining assets to the Umbrella Centre who will be able to continue their work supporting the community.

"As an Umbrella Cafe project the social pantry will also be forced to close.

"We will open for our members for the last time on March 30.

"A very sad day for Whitstable and all the many people whose lives you have touched in such significant ways"

"Cafe produce will be made available to our members and on closure we will share any remaining stock with existing food bank projects in the community.

"Thank you to everyone that has helped us over the last seven years.

"In particular, our fabulous team who have worked so hard to create a space that is warm and inviting, and our dedicated, wonderful volunteers who have baked cakes, served soup and made our members feel welcome and safe.

"Thank you to our friends and landlords at the Umbrella Centre - a wonderful team who put their all into their community despite facing a very difficult time themselves.

"And finally thank you to you, the awesome people of Whitstable.

"Thanks for having us, eating with us and sharing all those cuppas with us. We’re going to miss you."

Many people left comments below the Facebook post.

One said: "I am so sorry to hear this. A very sad day for Whitstable and all the many people whose lives you have touched in such significant ways.

"I hope you feel immensely proud of all you have achieved, you brilliant, brilliant people."

Another user said: "This is so sad to read. It’s been such a part of Whitstable life - and has helped so many people especially over the last few years. So sorry to read."

While another person wrote: "You have put your heart and soul into doing what you love.

"You will be a huge loss to the community.

"So many are hanging on by their bootstraps."